“My 2018 x3 is a very comfortable vehicle with a surprising amount of storage space with the back seats folded. Just returned last night from a second round trip from DC to Miami. The ride, acceleration, comfort, outward visibility, [Name] Kardon sound system, navigation system helped ease the monotony of I-95. I'm very happy with my choice!”
BMW X3: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The BMW X3 is a five-seat compact luxury SUV known for mixing everyday space and comfort with responsive, car-like road manners. It serves as BMW’s practical do-everything SUV while keeping a stronger performance focus than a softer luxury crossover.
The X3 has always paired compact SUV usefulness with the sharper road feel associated with BMW. Successive redesigns made it roomier, more comfortable, and more technology-focused without changing that basic character. Its lineup has also maintained a clear split between everyday models and a more powerful performance version.
Strengths
- It feels more responsive and engaging on the road than a typical comfort-first luxury crossover.
- The cabin balances daily comfort with useful passenger and cargo space.
- Cargo space measures 67.1 cubic feet in the 2026 model.
- Every 2026 X3 has all-wheel drive, which gives the current lineup a straightforward all-weather setup.
- The 2025 redesign brought a cleaner, technology-heavy cabin with a curved display and broader standard driver-assistance and parking features.
- Used shoppers can find several distinct eras, including older rear-wheel-drive, diesel, and plug-in hybrid versions alongside the more common gasoline models.
Who it's for
The X3 fits shoppers who want one upscale vehicle for commuting, family errands, and road trips, but do not want an SUV that feels dull from behind the wheel. It also suits buyers who need more passenger and cargo flexibility than a sedan provides without moving to a larger luxury SUV.
BMW X3 lineup
The regular 30-series X3 has long been the everyday choice, and the current xDrive30 continues that role with 255 horsepower and all-wheel drive for 2026. Pick it when you want the X3’s core blend of comfort, utility, and responsive road manners without the performance model’s extra power. The M-badged version has been the clear performance step since the M40i arrived for 2018, and today’s M50 fills that role with 393 horsepower for 2026. Step up to the M50 when stronger acceleration and a more performance-focused identity matter most.
BMW X3 generations
From 2009 to 2026, the X3 spans four generations. The current 4th Generation — G45 arrived for 2025, following the 3rd Generation — G01 (2018–2024).
4th Generation — G45 (2025–Present)
The fourth-generation X3 has new exterior and interior styling, revised gasoline engines, and a curved-display dashboard with BMW Operating System 9. It also brings more standard parking and driver-assistance features.
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2026
The redesigned X3 carries over with the same two U.S. gasoline trims.
2025New generation
A full redesign brings new styling, an updated cabin, revised engines, and more standard driver-assistance technology.
3rd Generation — G01 (2018–2024)
The third-generation X3 has a longer wheelbase, more passenger and cargo room, and the lineup’s first M40i performance model. A 2022 refresh updated the styling, cabin, touchscreen, and driver-assistance features.
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2024
The X3 carries over in its final year before the 2025 redesign.
2023Trim changes
Only minor feature-availability adjustments follow the 2022 refresh.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, a reworked cabin, a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, and broader driver-assistance coverage arrive.
2021
Android Auto and the Active Driving Assistant safety suite become standard across the lineup.
2020Trim changes
The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid joins the lineup, bringing electric driving to the X3 for the first time.
2019Trim changes
The rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i joins the lineup.
2018New generation
A full redesign brings more passenger and cargo room, added comfort features, and the first X3 M40i.
2nd Generation — F25 (2011–2017)
The second-generation X3 is larger and roomier, with a revised cabin, a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, and a new turbocharged six-cylinder model. Its 2015 refresh updated the styling and broadened the lineup with rear-wheel-drive and diesel trims.
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2017
A quiet final year brings only added standard equipment for the xDrive35i.
2016
Enhanced USB and Bluetooth become standard across the lineup.
2015Mid-cycle update
Updated exterior and interior details arrive along with new rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i and diesel xDrive28d trims.
2014
More convenience features become standard, and navigation-equipped models get a newer control system.
2013
The xDrive28i switches from a non-turbo six-cylinder engine to a turbocharged four-cylinder, with added standard features across the lineup.
2012
The lineup carries over with minor interior and equipment updates.
2011New generation
A full redesign brings a larger body, more rear-seat room, a revised cabin, and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
1st Generation — E83 (2004–2010)
The original X3 has a compact footprint, six-cylinder power, and standard all-wheel drive. The years covered here are late in the generation, shortly before the 2011 redesign.
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2010
HD Radio becomes standard in the final year of the first generation.
2009Trim changes
The model is renamed X3 xDrive30i, with only minor detail updates.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW X3.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle is the BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV with seating for five. It blends useful passenger and cargo space with more responsive handling than a softer, comfort-first crossover.
What is the BMW X3 known for?
The BMW X3 is known for balancing everyday SUV usefulness with an athletic feel. It works for commuting and road trips while still feeling responsive and controlled on winding roads.
Is the BMW X3 a good fit for a small family?
Yes. The BMW X3 seats five and has the flexible cabin and cargo space needed for commuting, family errands, and road trips. Its compact size also keeps it manageable in daily driving.
How many generations of the BMW X3 are there?
There are four X3 generations in this used-model span. Major redesigns arrived for 2011, 2018, and 2025, so those are the main dividing lines when comparing cabin design, technology, space, and powertrains.
Does the BMW X3 come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only in a narrow used-model window here. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid was sold for 2020 and 2021 with all-wheel drive, 288 hp, and up to 18 miles of EPA-estimated electric driving.
Was the BMW X3 sold with a diesel engine?
Yes. The xDrive28d was offered from 2015 through 2017 with a 180-hp turbo-diesel four-cylinder and all-wheel drive. It was aimed at long-distance drivers seeking fewer fuel stops and strong low-speed pulling power.
Is every BMW X3 all-wheel drive?
No. Most used X3s use BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive, and both current gasoline trims do. Rear-wheel-drive sDrive versions were also sold in earlier lineups, including the sDrive28i and sDrive30i.
BMW X3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW X3.
4.3
BMW X3
(12,315 reviews)
“I absolutely love the space, color and driving ability. Very dependable, and definitely worth the money”
“BMWs are the ultimate driving machines, between my 335i convertible to my x3 and my 528i, I have backup cars because they do break down. But so fun to drive and comfortable and safe. I keep a ford pickup as back up. Much more reliable!”
“Can't see the heated steering wheel button can't see the start/stop engine button can't see the navigation button behind the I-drive. Need additional USB charging ports- exposed for easy reach and not inside the arm rest”
“A highly versatile vehicle with the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. A joy to drive.”
“I like the sooty look of the car rims,Interior color,sunroof design. The sound system could be better. I don't like that it does not have remote start! The controls are somewhat easy to understand, but I'm not quite sure what the key fobs do. Overall it's a nice looking car and a pretty smooth drive.”